Read previewNineteen former military officials argue in a US Supreme Court amicus brief that offering legal immunity to former President Donald Trump could cause irreparable damage.
Smith has asked the Supreme Court to reject Trump's immunity claims.
Former military members detailed how granting Trump, the former commander-in-chief of the armed forces, immunity from felony charges would negatively impact the rule of law, civilian-military relations, and the peaceful transition of power.
If Trump were granted immunity, the former military leaders said, this would also negate individual rights and the role of civilians within military.
"The president doesn't have immunity on these types of issues," Trump's former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper told CNN's Katie Hunt in response to the brief and Trump's immunity plea.
Persons:
—, Donald Trump, Trump, Jack Smith, Smith, doesn't, Defense Mark Esper, CNN's Katie Hunt
Organizations:
Service, Business, Department of Justice, Trump, Defense
Locations:
United States